Effects of tyndallized lactic acid bacteria separated from Phellinus linteus on inflammation and skin barrier damage induced by DNCB

Background The fruiting bodies of the Sanghwang mushroom ( Phellinus linteus ) have a long history of use in folk medicine throughout Asia, particularly in Korea, Japan, and China. However, research on the Sanghwang mushroom is still at an early stage. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of tyndallized lactic acid bacteria separated from Phellinus linteus (PL-tLB) in the context of atopic dermatitis. Methods Keratinocytes, represented by HaCaT cells, were subjected to TNF-α/IFN-γ stimulation followed by treatment with PL-tLB. The results confirmed PL-tLB's concentration-dependent suppression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Atopic dermatitis is a complex, chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the dysregulation of skin barrier function. We further validated the efficacy of PL-tLB using an atopic-like mouse model induced by 2,4-Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Results The experimental model mice exhibited revealed an increase in ear thickness and mast cell infiltration after DNCB stimulation, which were subsequently reduced following treatment with PL-tLB. Real-time PCR analysis of ear tissue demonstrated reduced downregulated expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines after PL-tLB administration. Additionally, we assessed the expression of skin barrier and tight junction proteins, revealing improvements upon PL-tLB treatment. Conclusions These findings suggest that PL-tLB holds promise as a potential treatment and functional material for managing atopic dermatitis.